* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
What in my view are the three most powerful words in Megillat Esther? What will we take with us from Purim?
At a critical stage of the Purim story, when Esther hears above the decree to exterminate the Jewish people and she begins to act, it’s written: “Esther wore royalty.”
Royalty is not a garment that you buy at Zara, royalty is not a style that is yours to choose and wear externally for the world to see. Royalty is something internal. A deep connection to your identity, your mission, to the holiness of your deeds, something eternal.
Esther wore royalty. When she acted with self-confidence, with true conviction and devotion to her people and to God — everything began to fall into place and to turn around for the good.
I spoke about this thought at a Purim event in front of hundreds of girls. I wanted to convey that each one of them could wear royalty — not to be affected by peer pressure, by “what will they say,” or by social media. Each of them has a backbone.
But now in the face of what is happening in world diplomacy and it sometimes seems that everyone is against us, perhaps these words can help the state of Israel and the Jewish people as well. To wear royalty. Even when this is not easy, it is important to remember that truth and justice are on our side.
May we hear good news.
